10 coolest destinations in Asia-Pacific to escape the sweltering heat

10 coolest destinations in Asia-Pacific to escape the sweltering heat

10 coolest destinations in Asia-Pacific you can go to escape the heat

With temperatures set to rise in Singapore during the warmer months of June and July, Skyscanner has compiled a list of the coolest destinations in Asia-Pacific for travellers seeking to beat the heat this year. Lets take a look at these 10 coolest destinations and what you can do in each destination.

1. Hobart, Australia (average July temperature ~ 8°C)

Mount Wellington, standing at 1,271m, towers over the city of Hobart and offers breath-taking views of the landscape below. Known by locals simply as “The Mountain”, the summit is easily reached by car and takes approximately 20 minutes from the city centre.

Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s greatest natural treasures. It stretches 243km hugging a beautiful and scenic coast; wrapping along looming cliffs, waterfalls, gleaming beaches, the famous 12 Apostles, national parks, and an ocean that stretches as far as the eye can see. A road trip is a definitely must-do in this coolest destination. Be sure to keep your camera ready for the breath-taking sights along the way.

Dunedin is a picturesque town founded in the Victorian era, and glimpses of this past are evident in its architecture and culture today. With its large Maori influence, it is also a great place to taste the complete range of Kiwi culture. Outdoor enthusiasts will also have plenty to keep them busy from hiking to cycling trails. The Otago Peninsula’s dramatic scenery will leave you speechless as you pass through. If you are lucky, you may even spot one of the world’s rarest penguin – the Yellow Eyed penguin.

No trip to Japan is complete without a visit to Mount Fuji. It has been central to Japanese art and culture for hundreds of years. Those not satisfied with merely taking pictures from afar are welcome to get close and hike the mountain.

5. Munnar, India (average July temperature ~ 26°C), fly in to Kochi

Plantations in Munnar, India, Photo credit, Keralatourism.org

If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, there is no place like the Top Station in Munnar. It is the highest point on Munnar-Kodaikanal Road, and offers a breath-taking panoramic view of Tamil Nadu, with surrounding mountains and lush-green plantations. Furthermore, it is also home to the rare Neelakurunji (Strobilanthud) flower that blooms every 12 years; be sure to keep a lookout for that!

Getting there:

Munnar is 130.5 km east of Kochi and will take 3.5 hours to reach Munnar from Kochi by road.

Cochin International airport is the nearest airport, which is located at Nedumbassery, is around 125km away from Munnar. You can hire the pre-paid taxi from the airport to reach the hill station. Both non-AC and AC cabs are available. An additional premium of 15-25 per cent is charged as night charges. (Source)

Cameron Highlands are known for their strawberry and bee farms. Try your hand at picking your own strawberries and enjoy them at the farm’s restaurant. Or visit the apiaries to see how local beekeepers produce honey and learn more about those little hard-workers. If you still have time on your hands, you can also explore some of the tea plantations in the area too!

Getting there via Simpang Pulai / Ipoh in Perak:

It will only takes about an hour to get to Kampung Raja from Simpang Pulai.

Take Exit 137 (Simpang Pulai) and turn right at the traffic light right after the toll booth. Turn right again at the next traffic light about 200 metres away. You are now on the way to Cameron Highlands. When you reach the Kampung Raja junction, turn right from the new road into Kampung Raja town. Finally, just follow the main road to Cameron Highlands.

7. Sapa, Vietnam (average July temperature ~ 21°C), fly in to Hanoi

Misty Sapa is the perfect cooler mountain-top settlement that you can go, to discover the myriad facets of nature and beat the sweltering heat. It is also known for its ethnic communities, who create traditional wares that are a huge hit among tourists and locals. However, the biggest attraction is the picturesque rice terraces that you definitely do not want to miss!

For anyone who love a good hike, Little Adam’s Peak is your place to be. Furthermore, due to the comfortable nature of the hike, it is one of the most popular things to do in Ella. You will also be rewarded with the wondrous view at the top. If there is one place to be during sunset, this is it.

There are many tours that you can embark on in the Blue Mountains, but one of the most interesting ones that you could ever go on is a glow worm tour. Imagine walking through an ancient canyon surrounded by thousands of little glowing lights. In addition to that, you can also learn interesting facts and stories about this fascinating creature, and get up close and personal with them.

Famous for its many hiking and ski-touring opportunities, Craigieburn Valley is the perfect place for you to escape the heat. It is the holy grail for an advanced or expert rider. The cosy slope side accommodation is also the seasonal home to a community of snow addicts from all over the globe.

Getting there:

Craigieburn is situated only 1.5 hrs (110km) from Christchurch on highway 73. The turnoff to the field is 9km after Castle Hill Village. The access road to the field is signposted “Craigieburn Valley Ski Area”. Do not turn off early – you will end up at Broken River Ski Area – if you reach Flock Hill Station you have gone too far! The 6 kilometre road up to the Skifield winds gently up through picturesque beech forest and is accessible for all motor vehicles (except camper vans which can be parked at the base of the access road). It is essential that all vehicles carry chains though these are generally only required by 2 wheel drives. (Source)